Aim To investigate the mechanism of ligu aged 2 months of the same strain were used as the constilide (LIG) in delaying the senescence of auditory trol (Ctrl) group. Auditory brainstem response test was cortex and treating central presbycusis. Methods used to detect the auditory threshold of mice before and Forty C57BL/6J mice aged 13 months were randomly di after treatment. Levels of serum MDA and activity of vided into ligustilide low-dose(L-LIG) group, ligustil serum SOD were detected to display the level of oxidative ide medium-dose (M-LIG) group, ligustilide high-dose stress. The pathological changes of auditory cortex were (H-LIG) group and aging (Age) group, and 10 mice observed by HE staining. Ferroptosis was observed by

Objective To develop a matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-responsive hyaluronic acid(HA)-based controlled-release material for brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)to provide a novel therapeutic strategy for intervention and repair of traumatic brain injury(TBI).Methods HA was modified with amination,followed by condensation with Suflo-SMCC carboxyl group to form amide,and then linked with glutathione(GSH)to synthesize HA-GSH.The recombinant glutathione S-transferase(GST)-tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase(TIMP)-BDNF(GST-TIMP-BDNF)expression plasmid was constructed using molecular cloning technique with double enzyme digestion by Bam H Ⅰ and Eco R Ⅰ.The recombinant GST-TIMP-BDNF protein was expressed in the Escherichia coli prokaryotic expression system,and purified by ion exchange chromatography,confirmed by Western blotting.MMP diluents were supplemented with PBS,MMP inhibitor marimastat,and varing concentrations(0.4,0.6,0.8 mg/ml)of GST-TIMP-BDNF or GST-BDNF.MMP-2 activity was analyzed using an MMP activity detection kit to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the recombinant protein on MMP.Primary rat neurons were extracted and cultured to establish an iron death model induced by RSL3.The effect of recombinant protein GST-TIMP-BDNF on neuronal injury was detected by immunofluorescence staining.Results MRI hydrogen spectrum identification confirmed the successful synthesis of HA-GSH.Western blotting results showed the successful expression of the recombinant protein GST-TIMP-BDNF containing the GST tag using the E.coli prokaryotic expression system.MMP activity detection results indicated that the recombinant protein GST-TIMP-BDNF had a superior inhibitory effect on MMP-2 activity compared to GST-BDNF(P<0.05).Immunofluorescence staining results showed a significant increase in fluorescence intensity in rat neurons treated with GST-TIMP-BDNF after RSL3 induction(P<0.05).Conclusion A MMP-responsive HA-based BDNF controlled-release material has been successfully developed,exhibiting a protective effect on neuron damage.

Objective To evaluate the preventive effects of Saccharomyces boulardii powder and tetragenous viable Bifidobacterium tablets on antibiotic-associated diarrhea(AAD)in infants and young children.Methods Children under three years old admitted to the Department of Pediatrics,Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University due to non-gastrointestinal infections and requiring antibiotic treatment from July to December 2023 were enrolled.The children were randomly divided into a control group(n=47),a Saccharomyces boulardii group(n=70),and a Bifidobacterium group(n=65)using a random number table method.The control group received antibiotics and symptomatic supportive treatment according to relevant clinical guidelines.In addition to the treatment given to the control group,the Saccharomyces boulardii group and the Bifidobacterium group were respectively administered with Saccharomyces boulardii powder and tetragenous viable Bifidobacterium tablets.Based on the duration of probiotic use(7 days,14 days,and 21 days),the Saccharomyces boulardii group was further divided into 7 d,14 d,and 21 d subgroups,and similarly for the Bifidobacterium group.The incidence of AAD and ratio of cocci to bacilli in feces were compared among the groups after treatment.Results The incidence rate of AAD in both the Saccharomyces boulardii group and the Bifidobacterium group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.017).The duration of AAD and the length of hospital stay were shorter in the Saccharomyces boulardii and Bifidobacterium groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).In the control group,the ratio of cocci to bacilli in feces on days 7,14,and 21 was higher than on day 1(P<0.05).Within-group comparisons showed that the ratio of cocci to bacilli in feces on day 14 in the Bifidobacterium 14 d and 21 d groups were lower than on day 1(P<0.05);and the ratios on day 14 in the control group,Saccharomyces boulardii 14 d group,Saccharomyces boulardii 21 d group,Bifidobacterium 14 d group,and Bifidobacterium 21 d group were lower than on day 7(P<0.05).The ratios on day 21 in the control group and the Saccharomyces boulardii 21 d group were lower than on days 7 and 14(P<0.05).Between-group comparisons indicated that on day 7,the ratios of cocci to bacilli in feces in the Saccharomyces boulardii 7 d,14 d,21 d groups,and Bifidobacterium 7 d,14 d,21 d groups were all lower than in the control group(P<0.05);on day 14,the ratios of cocci to bacilli in feces 14 d and 21 d groups were lower than in the control group and the Bifidobacterium 7 d group(P<0.05).Conclusions Both Saccharomyces boulardii and tetragenous viable Bifidobacterium can effectively improve gut microbiota and prevent the occurrence of AAD in infants and young children.Compared to short-term treatment,appropriately extending the duration of probiotic therapy can further improve the structure of gut microbiota.

Cognitive dysfunction is one of the serious complications of type 2 diabetes.Exercise interven-tion has a certain effect on improving diabetes cognition,but the exact process remains ambiguous.This research aims to explore the impact and molecular processes of treadmill exercises in enhancing cognitive impairments in type 2 diabetic mice.Ten m/m 8-week-old male mice were used as the control group.Forty db/db mice,each 8 weeks old and male,were categorized into four distinct groups with each group containing 10 mice,including the db/db group(model group),db+Exe group(exercise group),db+Exe+SB203580 group(exercise combined with the p38 MAPK inhibitor group),db+SB203580 group(p38 MAPK inhibitor group).db+Exe group and db+Exe+SB203580 group were subjected to treadmill running intervention(40 min/time,5 times/week,a total of 8 weeks).db+Exe+SB203580 and db+SB203580 group were intraperitoneally injected with SB203580(5 mg/kg,5 times/week,8 weeks)2 hours before treadmill exercise.The results of body weights and fasting blood glucose measurement showed that 8-week treadmill exercise could significantly reduce the body mass and fasting blood glucose levels(P＜0.01);the results of water maze showed that treadmill exercise improved cognitive dysfunction in diabetic mice(P＜0.05).Immunofluorescence staining revealed that treadmill exercise diminished the fluorescence intensity of NLRP3 in hippocampus,and there was a significant difference in CA1 and CA3 regions(P＜0.05).Treadmill exercise reduced the fluorescence intensity of PI in the hippocampus,and there was a significant difference in the DG region(P＜0.01).The results of qRT-PCR revealed that treadmill exercise decreased IL-1β and IL-18 mRNA levels in hippocampus,with a notable difference in IL-1β mRNA levels(P＜0.05).Western blotting analysis revealed that treadmill exercise reduced the concentrations of Caspase3,Caspase9 and Bax in hippocampus(P＜0.01),reduced the concentrations of TXNIP,NLRP3,GSDMD-N,IL-1β,IL-18,Cleaved Caspase1 and Caspasel(P＜0.05),decreased the levels of p-RIPK1,RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and RIPK3(P＜0.05).After adding p38 inhibitors,treadmill ex-ercise combined with p38 inhibitor intervention further inhibited the expression of Caspase3,TXNIP,GS-DMD-N and IL-18(P＜0.05),and the expression levels of Caspase9,Bax,NLRP3,IL-1β,Cleaved Caspase 1 and Caspase 1 also showed a downward trend.The expression of RIPK1 and p-RIPK3 in-creased significantly(P＜0.05),and the protein expression levels of p-p38,p-RIPK1 and RIPK3 showed an upward trend.In conclusion,treadmill running intervention can effectively improve the cogni-tive dysfunction in type 2 diabetic mice,and its mechanism is partly through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway to regulate PANoptosis.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficiency of robotic visualization system(RVS)-assisted microsurgical re-construction of the reproductive tract in male rats and the satisfaction of the surgeons.Methods:We randomly divided 8 adult male SD rats into an experimental and a control group,the former treated by RVS-assisted microsurgical vasoepididymostomy(VE)or vaso-vasostomy(VV),and the latter by VE or VV under the standard operating microscope(SOM).We compared the operation time,me-chanical patency and anastomosis leakage immediately after surgery,and the surgeons'satisfaction between the two groups.Results:No statistically significant difference was observed the operation time between the experimental and the control groups,and no anasto-mosis leakage occurred after VV in either group.The rate of mechanical patency immediately after surgery was 100％in both groups,and that of anastomosis leakage after VE was 16.7％in the experimental group and 14.3％in the control.Compared with the control group,the experimental group achieved dramatically higher scores on visual comfort(3.00±0.76 vs 4.00±0.53,P＜0.05),neck/back comfort(2.75±1.16 vs 4.38±1.06,P＜0.01)and man-machine interaction(3.88±1.55 va 4.88±0.35,P＜0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in the scores on image definition and operating room suitability between the two groups.Conclusion:RVS can be used in microsurgical reconstruction of the reproductive tract in male rats and,with its advantages over SOM in ergonomic design and image definition,has a potential application value in male reproductive system micosurgery.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of myosin heavy chain 7 gene-derived miRNA-208b-3p on the fibrotic phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts. MethodsmiRNA chip array was performed to detect the dysregulated miRNAs in the myocardium of diabetic db/db mice and db/m control mice. Neonatal mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes （NMVCs） and cardiac fibroblasts （CFs） were isolated from C57BL/6 mice and cultured. Real-time quantitative PCR （RT-qPCR） was conducted to determine the expression of miR-208b-3p in mouse CFs and NMVCs subjected to angiotensinⅡ（AngⅡ） and high glucose plus glucose oxidase （G/Go） treatment， respectively. Cell counting kit 8（CCk8） assay， flow cytometry and determination of fibrosis-related protein， including COL1A1， COL3A1and α-SMA， were performed in mCFs transfected with miR-208b-3p. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the interaction between miR-208b-3p and the 3'-UTR of metal response element binding transcription factor 2 （Mtf2） and progesterone receptor membrane component 1（Pgrmc1）， respectively. The expressions of Mtf2 and Pgrmc1 at the mRNA and protein levels in mCFs after miR-208b-3p mimic transfection were determined using RT-qPCR and Western blot assay， respectively. The small interfering RNA （siRNA） was used to inhibit Mtf2 and Pgrmc1 expression in mCFs， and the effects of Mtf2 siRNA， Pgrmc1 siRNA and miR-208b-3p on fibrosis-related protein expression in mCFs were investigated. ResultsResults of miRNA chip array and RT-qPCR assay showed that miR-208b-3p was up-regulated in the myocardium of the diabetic db/db mice. miR-208b precursor and the host gene of Myh7 were consistently increased in db/db mice. miR-208b-3p and Myh7 mRNA were expressed in mCFs and NMVCs， but the levels of miR-208b-3p and Myh7 mRNA in NMVCs were much higher than those in mCFs. miR-208b-3p was up-regulated in mCFs and NMVCs subjected to Ang Ⅱ and G/Go treatment， respectively. miR-208b-3p could significantly enhance fibrosis-related protein， including COL1A1， COL3A1 and α-SMA， in mCFs， without affecting the proliferation activity and cell cycle distribution of mCFs. Dual luciferase reporter assay revealed the interactions of miR-208b-3p with the 3'-UTR of Mtf2 and Pgrmc1. The results of RT-qPCR and Western blotting confirmed that miR-208b-3p inhibited Mtf2 and Pgrmc1 expression at the post- transcriptional level. Transfection with miR-208b-3p mimic， Mtf2 siRNA and Pgrmc1 siRNA could consistently enhance the fibrosis-related protein expression in the cardiac fibroblasts. ConclusionsmiR-208b-3p enhances fibrosis-related gene expression by targeting Mtf2 and Pgrmc1in mCFs.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important public health concern, as approximately 3.5% of the world's population is currently chronically infected. Chronic HBV infection is the primary cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and deaths related to liver disease globally. Studies have found that in HBV infection, viruses can directly or indirectly regulate mitochondrial energy metabolism, oxidative stress, respiratory chain metabolites, and autophagy, thereby altering macrophage activation status, differentiation types, and related cytokine secretion type and quantity regulations. Therefore, mitochondria have become an important signal source for macrophages to participate in the body's immune system during HBV infection, providing a basis for mitochondria to be considered as a potential therapeutic target for chronic hepatitis B.
Humans ; Hepatitis B virus/physiology* ; Hepatitis B/complications* ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/complications* ; Mitochondria ; Liver Neoplasms ; Macrophages

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis

Humans ; Gemcitabine ; Neoplasms

Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles(PELNs) are a class of membranous vesicles with diameters approximately ranging from 30 to 300 nm, isolated from plant tissues. They contain components such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. PELNs play an important role in the metabolism of plant substances and immune defense, and can also cross-regulate the physiological activities of fungi and animal cells, showing significant potential applications. In recent years, research on PELNs has significantly increased, highlighting three main issues:(1) the mixed sources of plant materials for PELNs;(2) the lack of a unified system for isolating and characterizing PELNs;(3) the urgent need to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the cross-regulation of biological functions by PELNs. This article focused on these concerns. It began by summarizing the biological origin and composition of PELNs, discussing the techniques for isolating and characterizing PELNs, and analyzing their biomedical applications and potential future research directions., aiming to promote the establishment of standardized research protocols for PELNs and provide theoretical references for in-depth exploration of the mechanisms underlying PELNs' cross-regulatory effects.
Animals ; Exosomes/metabolism* ; Proteins/metabolism* ; Plants/metabolism* ; Nucleic Acids ; Nanoparticles